The Trip

Synopsis:

When 19-year-old gay-rights activist Tommy and 24-year-old Alan first meet in 1973, they find themselves on the opposite sides of the political coin. Despite their many differences, they form a loving long-term relationship. In 1977, during Anita Bryant’s crusade, an anti-gay book Alan wrote years before gets published without his consent. The book destroys Tommy’s credibility as a well-known activist, resulting in Tommy and Alan’s break-up. Seven years later, Alan is given a second chance, a reunion with Tommy and the opportunity to set things right.

Quick Thoughts:

“The Trip” may be writer/director Miles Swain’s first film. However despite some flaws it is still quite a good queer history film! Initially started as a short film of two men trying to cross the Mexican border, the feature film’s screenplay developed as Swain worked to flesh out the character’s backstories. With mostly fictional characters, this semi-romcom romance between Alan and Tommy is told through three “decades” of their relationship. In between each time jump is a montage of actual historical events, and each segment of their romance remains connected to actual key queer events such as Anita Bryant and the AIDS epidemic. Yet the essence of their love story remains. “The Trip” may not be the most historical accurate or perfect queer film, but it remains a queer history film worth watching!